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Flight Test Engineer
Job Location:
Job Location:
Sunnyvale, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
26 March 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
15 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team working with ground and flight operations engineering and other LTA teams to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale CA.
Were looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test firsts and to lay the foundation for enabling safe efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA) draft airship limitations lead ground & flight tests perform data analysis write test reports and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.
Responsibilities
- Produce test documentation such as test plans hazard analyses and test cards.
- Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
- Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
- Collaborate with engineers test pilots and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
- Lead test briefings/debriefings and coordinate with all support groups.
- Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
- Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
- Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and squawks.
- Other duties may be assigned.
- Travel Occasional.
Qualifications
- 1-3 years of experimental flight test experience.
- Bachelors or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
- Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
- Proficiency in test planning and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
- Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
- Strong technical and analytical skills as well as attention to detail.
- Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
- Private Pilot or higher rating.
- Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
- Aptitude with Python coding.
- Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
- Experience testing Fly-By-Wire flight control electrical and/or propulsion systems.
- Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
- Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
- Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical dental and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals 70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life AD&D long-term disability and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events swag and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
- Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
$85000 - $140000 a year
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age disability marital status veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Apache Commons
- Asset
- Art And Craft
- Concrete Pump
- Accident Investigation
About Company
Learn how LTA is launching the next generation of zero emissions airships that will speed up disaster relief in areas not easily reached by boat or aircraft.
